The Cotswolds is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the country, providing so much for four-legged friends to enjoy, from wonderful walks to warm welcomes at the region's cosy country pubs, luxury hotels, and family attractions.
SoGlos rounds up 10 ways to pamper your pooch when visiting the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Go shopping at DOG by Just For Pets
Take your pup on a shopping spree at DOG by Just For Pets, where they can sniff out their favourite natural treats from its pick 'n' mix selection, while owners stock up on top-quality dog food, including locally produced Cotswold RAW.
There's also a range of handcrafted collars and leads made in Chipping Norton with the finest leather, wool, and brass hardware in a variety of timeless designs, not to mention high-fashion apparel and accessories from household names including Barbour, BOSS, James Purdey, and Ralph Lauren.
DOG by Just For Pets has stores in in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cirencester, and Stow-on-the-Wold – or shop online at dogonline.co.uk.
Walkies along the Cotswold Way
With 102 miles of waymarked trails to follow through spectacular countryside, the Cotswold Way is a wonderful way to spend some quality time with your four-legged friend – and get some exercise in at the same time.
There's so much to see – and smell – throughout the seasons, from bluebells in spring, wildflower meadows in summer, to mushrooms and crunchy leaves in autumn, and there are trails to suit every kind of dog, from leisurely strolls along mostly flat trails, to strenuous hikes leading to stunning views.
Explore the follies at Painswick Rococo Garden
For a whimsical day out with your dog, pop on a short leash and head to Painswick Rococo Garden. Designed in the 1740s, it's the country's only complete rococo garden and it's full of fragrant flowers, woodland walks, and colourful ornamental follies that are great fun to explore on two or four legs.
You might even get the chance to meet Maple, Painswick Rococo Garden's dog-in-residence and football enthusiast!
Stay cool with a doggy ice cream
Give your furry friend a cooling treat with specially made doggy ice cream from Doodle's Deli – available from DOG by Just For Pets.
Handmade in Cirencester, pooches can choose from chicken, beef, vanilla, mint, strawberry and banana flavours – all of which make for a fantastic treat after a paddle in the river across the road from DOG's Bourton boutique!
Tuck into The Lygon Arms' dedicated doggy menu
The Lygon Arms in Broadway offers a dedicated doggy menu in The Russell Room. After working up an appetite on a walk around the beautiful Broadway Tower and Country Park nearby, pampered pooches can tuck into delicious dishes made especially for them.
From tasty sounding snacks like pulled pork bites, scampi and pea sticks, or pork and apple sausages; cheeseburger, sausage, or lamb and mint treat bowls; to more substantial dinners including dog-friendly roasts, or fish and chips, there's something to please even the pickiest pup.
Go for a doggy paddle at Cotswold Country Park and Beach
While the beach and lake at Cotswold Country Park and Beach are usually off-limits to dogs, it runs special dog swim events on selected Saturday evenings between April and September.
Giving pups a chance to run, swim, and splash about in the lake, sessions last for 30 minutes and tickets cost £7 per dog.
Stroll around Cirencester Park
Cirencester Park, within the Bathurst Estate, is one of the Cotswolds' most historic private parks, boasting dog-walking routes, woodlands and follies to wander around. The Grade I-listed park offers both on and off-lead areas where four-legged friends can stretch their legs.
Swing by The Old Kennels afterwards to grab a pupaccino from the dog-friendly Roots + Seeds Cafe and Kitchen, too.
Take a ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Well-behaved dogs and their owners are welcome on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, where they can enjoy chugging through the Cotswold countryside on a vintage steam or diesel engine.
Doggy tickets cost £5 each and are available to book online, or at any of GWSR's traditional ticket offices along the line, making for a charming day out for the whole family.
Try paddleboarding with your pooch at Cotswold Lakes
Active dog owners will love having a go at paddleboarding with their pooch at Lake 86 in South Cerney – challenging their bond and their balance!
Cotswold Water Park Hire welcomes well-behaved dogs and even has its own paddleboarding pup, Jessie, to make friends with when you visit.
Spend a night in a dog-friendly Cotswold hotel
The ultimate pampering experience for your pooch, many luxury Cotswolds hotels are dog-friendly, welcoming guests and their furry friends to spend a relaxing night together.
Some of SoGlos's favourites include the uber-stylish Cowley Manor Expermental near Cheltenham, The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester, The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold, and Dormy House in Broadway.
